| name | placarding-requirements |
| description | Use when determining if and how to placard a vehicle. Covers the 1,001 lb rule, the placard table, the placement requirements (4 sides), the different placards for different classes, and the 'Dangerous' placard.
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Placarding Requirements
Placards are the visual hazard identifier on the outside of every hazmat truck. 49 CFR 172.500-560. Get them wrong and you're OOS within an hour.
When placards required
Bulk (>119 gal/1,001 lb single packaging) — placard always required regardless of class. Non-bulk — placard if aggregate gross weight ≥ 1,001 lb of placard-required material (Class 1, 2.1, 2.2 in bulk, 2.3, 3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1 PG I inhalation, 7, 8). Some Class 9 materials always require.
Placard placement
Four sides of the vehicle: front, back, both sides. Each placard ≥ 10.75 inches square. Visible 'with horizontal axis parallel to vehicle longitudinal axis' (most placards diamond-oriented).
Placard for each class
Class-specific placard with color, symbol, hazard class number. Class 3 = red diamond, flame symbol. Class 8 = white-over-black diamond, test-tube symbol. Class 9 = vertical stripes, '9' bottom.
DANGEROUS placard
Used for non-bulk loads with multiple hazard classes when no single class > 2,205 lbs. Black-and-white diamond, 'DANGEROUS' text. Lower bar to use than class-specific.
ID number on placard
For bulk shipments: 4-digit UN/NA on orange panel or on placard itself.
Subsidiary hazard
If material has subsidiary hazard, both placards displayed.
Common violations
Wrong placard (e.g., Class 3 instead of 6.1). Missing 1 of 4 sides. Worn / faded placard unreadable. Improper ID-number panel.
Where this fits in X3 Compass
Applied in the X3 Compass Hazmat Center — the vertical add-on for hazmat-hauling motor carriers.
